Tommy himself has admitted that he had to "brush up" on his command of the national language.

"The trouble is with private practice, which I had for 42 years, dealings with clients, basically commercial clients and documents ... I have neglected my Bahasa. I promise to brush it up," he was quoted as saying.

Najib has been charged at the KL Sessions Court with three counts of criminal breach of trust and one count of using his position for gratification.

Other sources said Najib is expected to face four counts of committing criminal breach of trust and anti-money laundering charges involving a total of RM42mil and believed to be linked to the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.